Turn Your Outdoor Spaces into a Backyard Oasis

By Annie Rosemurgy

The ongoing pandemic has been rough for everyone, but one result is that people are continuing to get creative with their outdoor spaces — whether they have a sliver of back or side yard, or an entire acre.

Back in the summer of 2020, there was a huge increase in consumer investment in outdoor living spaces. Forbes reports that in 2020, 78% of Americans said that they upgraded their outdoor spaces. In 2021 (which Forbes named the “The Year of The Yard”), the publication reported that 88% of homeowners were dissatisfied with their outdoor spaces.

In other words, the outdoor improvement trend isn’t going anywhere, says Lisa Briggs, garden coach and community outreach specialist at The Bruce Company in Middleton.

“What began in 2020 with people really looking to capitalize on their outdoor spaces … is absolutely still full steam ahead in 2022,” she says. “With uncertainty about new variants or [COVID] case numbers, we see people wanting to create spaces they know they’ll love to spend time in.”

Rene Huston, president of Patio Pleasures, agrees. “There is still a strong demand in [improving] outdoor living [spaces]. I am seeing that people want their outdoor spaces to become extensions of their interiors, with all the aesthetics and the comforts that you would find inside.”

GET GROWING

A gardening revolution also started during the pandemic. People had the time — and sometimes, kids — on their hands.

“People took on home gardening as a way to be outside, or sometimes as an educational project for kids home from school. They found they just love it, and are now looking for ways to expand this hobby,” says Briggs.

Uncertainty coupled with current inflation concerns mean vegetable and fruit gardens are especially popular this season. “Starting with a small, raised garden bed and some easy-to-grow vegetables like lettuces and cherry tomatoes is really rewarding for all members of the family,” says Briggs.

Container gardens with a theme, such as an Italian herb garden planted with basil, oregano and thyme, or an aromatherapy pot brimming with mint and rosemary, will appeal to all the senses.

Briggs says there is also increased interest in planting pollinator-friendly native plants that are low maintenance and thrive in our varied Wisconsin weather.

FRESH FURNISHINGS

Along with developing their green-thumb skills, people want to spend time comfortably relaxing outdoors. Plush and comfortable seating is an ongoing trend, says Amber Cook, manager, buyer and designer with Brick & Mortar Home and Outdoor.

“People are spending more time outdoors and hosting more gatherings. They are utilizing their outdoor spaces so much more,” she says.

Briggs notes one of the biggest trends she sees in furnishings is the interest in deep seating. This means comfortable, all-weather furnishings with weatherproof cushions and more of a sophisticated, “living room” look.

Huston says her customers are also taking an investment-minded approach as well in regards to their outdoor furniture.

“Previously consumers might be comfortable spending $50-$100 on a simple stand umbrella. But now that many are working from home and doing more entertaining outside, they are more interested in investing in a cantilevered umbrella that can be moved and adjusted,” she says.

Cook says she sees the same enthusiasm from customers in improving their outdoor spaces, and notes that low-maintenance furnishings by Berlin Gardens and Seaside Casual are a big seller at Brick & Mortar. These brands feature furniture made with recycled plastic that mimic the appearance of wood. They look good and eliminate maintenance.

“These lines make Adirondack chairs, deep seating (sofas, sectionals, chairs) and dining tables,” explains Cook. “They’ve come out with so many on-trend colors, like grays and taupes, and the texture is just like wood. They hide dirt and scratches well too — it’s a low maintenance-product.”

The care and maintenance of the new outdoor furnishing sets on the market are quite simple, says Huston. Many outdoor upholstery sets now feature quick-drying, anti-mold technology.

“Slipcovers and some storage for those all-day rains are certainly nice, but the truth is that these pieces are designed to get wet and be exposed to all kinds of weather,” she says.

As for color palettes, Cook says Lake Geneva customers consistently gravitate toward white, gray and navy furnishings, as well as “water tones” in décor accents. “People just love [those colors] around here with the lake,“ she says.

Huston says that the farmhouse look for outdoor décor and furnishings remains on-trend this season. (Think: rustic wood accents and earth tones.) She is also seeing customers gravitate toward a black and white motif and more “dark and stormy” palettes that incorporate rich blue and gray hues as well.

AL FRESCO ALLURE

Outdoor kitchens are a trend with staying power. Today’s custom-built outdoor kitchens reflect a wide range of styles and can include luxurious details like pizza ovens, sinks and wine refrigerators.

Cook says one of their biggest sellers since the pandemic began is outdoor dining tables. Versions that can seat six to 10 people are common, accessorized with chairs that have comfy, weather-resistant cushions.

And fire pits are hot (pun intended) right now, she says. Brick & Mortar carries everything from three-foot round traditional fire pits to composite and stone versions. They even sell a counter-height dining table with a fire pit outfitted in the middle, says Cook — to add that glow to any outdoor meal.